I think this was one of the fastest books I've read recently. And I regret having read it so quickly, because I don't know if I managed to absorb it all.

So I didn't really understand why the burials were prohibited, I think the explanation was a little vague. And since that was the key point of the plot, it ended up making the whole story a little vague too.

However, this ends up being offset by the depth of the characters, the mourning and grief, and the strength we need when one of our important and essential right is taken away from us. It made me angry to see how indifferent Alma was treated, as if she and her mother weren't human beings.

Here Lies is the debut novel by author Olivia Clare Friedman and it didn't disappoint me. I definitely recommend it and I will also look foward to her upcoming releases.

Here Lies is a tender portrait of Alma's Louisiana. It's 2042, and burials are against the law, as part of a plan to reclaim arable land to counter the effects of global warming. Alma wants to honour her mother's express wishes to be buried, but can't get hold of the ashes. Each chapter reads like a short story, not too heavily reliant on the last. There's gentle humour in learning about Alma's poetry teacher, Frances, and her not-so-secret Instagram page. Olivia Clare Friedman does a great job of Alma's inner voice, which is youthful yet wise. This is an example of climate fiction that is so readily imagined that it is almost certainly prophetic.

Here Lies was a great read. Loved the story, it is completely unique and original. Normally I don’t enjoy futuristic books - but this one hooked me from the get go. Loved seeing how the lead characters relationship grew throughout the book. Josephine was my favorite character! I could feel how much she cared. If you enjoy a book full of strong female characters that have learned to survive - this is the book for you!